Opinions - best 150 or 175 HP for under $3k

[metriccrescentwrench]

I'll soon be starting restoration and repairs (R&R ?) on a '79 18' Checkmate I recently bought. It's rated for 180 HP, and I know some people wouldn't hesitate to put a 200 on it, but I think I'll stay within the ratings. Anyway, I'm hoping to have up to about $3k to put into an engine and am starting to think about what to get. We'll be doing it all in this boat - pulling skiers, tubes, knee boards, fishing, cruising, and occasionally showing off how fast it can go (should be around 65 based on other's experience).

So... any thoughts on brand and year for the engine? Any particular years from any given manufacturer to avoid (the Fichts for instance)?

 

[JB]

Re: Opinions - best 150 or 175 HP for under $3k

$3K is a mighty small budget for a decent runnning 150-175 outboard.

eBay recently had a Johnson 175, no prop, no controls for $2450 Buy It Now, but: When asked for the model number, they said J175TL. When asked for the rest of the model number they didn't answer. Nowhere in the ad was the year mentioned.

They surely had something to hide. Caveat Emptor.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Opinions - best 150 or 175 HP for under $3k

Well, I'm seeing all kinds of bass boats on craigslist with 150 or 175 HP outboards of 1985 to 1990 vintage for $3-5K. I guess if need be I'll buy one of those, then re-sell it with no engine for whatever I can get for it.

 

[d.boat]

Re: Opinions - best 150 or 175 HP for under $3k

The best 150-175 engine is a used or professionally rebuilt one with reliable "low hours" and that was professionally cared for, at least for winterizing. If it's >10 years old, you could easily be in your price range, but be choosy to get one with a history like this, that you can trust.